Casa Garcilaso
About
Casa Garcilaso offers families a fascinating glimpse into colonial Peru through beautifully preserved architecture and period furnishings. This intimate museum allows children to explore historic rooms and learn about Cusco's rich cultural heritage in a hands-on way that brings history to life.
Highlights
- ✓Exploring authentic colonial-era rooms with original furnishings and decor
- ✓Discovering the architecture of a 16th-century Spanish colonial house
- ✓Learning about Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, the famous chronicler who lived here
- ✓Viewing period artifacts and cultural exhibits about Cusco's colonial past
- ✓Walking through historic courtyards and experiencing life from centuries ago
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit early morning (8:00-9:00 AM) when it's less crowded and kids are fresh for learning.
- 2.Bring layers of clothing as colonial buildings can be cool inside, especially in the mornings.
- 3.Take time to acclimatize to Cusco's 11,150 ft altitude before visiting. Plan lighter activities for your first day or two.
- 4.The museum is compact, making it perfect for shorter attention spans. Combine it with nearby Plaza de Armas for a full morning.
- 5.English signage may be limited, so consider downloading a translation app or hiring a local guide who can share kid-friendly stories about colonial life.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings (Monday-Thursday, 8:00-10:00 AM) for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. The museum is open daily, making it a flexible option for rainy days in Cusco's wet season (November-March).
What to Know
Entry is budget-friendly (indicated by $ pricing). The museum is centrally located in Cusco's historic district, easily walkable from Plaza de Armas. Facilities are basic, so plan bathroom breaks before or after your visit.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours. Cusco's dry season (May-September) offers the best weather for exploring the historic center. During rainy season (November-March), this makes an excellent indoor activity.
Nearby Eats
Plaza de Armas (2 blocks away) has numerous family-friendly cafes and restaurants. Try Morena Peruvian Kitchen for kid-friendly Peruvian dishes or Jack's Cafe for familiar Western breakfast and lunch options that kids typically enjoy.
More Activities Near Cusco
Planetario de Cusco
The Planetario de Cusco offers an enchanting introduction to astronomy through interactive shows that bring the southern hemisphere's night sky to life. Located at high altitude where stars shine brilliantly clear, this planetarium uses immersive visuals and engaging presentations to spark children's curiosity about space, constellations, and Incan astronomy. It's an educational escape that works perfectly on a rainy day or as a fascinating complement to exploring Cusco's ancient sites.
Andean Cosmovision Museum
The Andean Cosmovision Museum offers families a fascinating journey into the spiritual beliefs and worldview of Andean cultures through interactive exhibits and ancient artifacts. This intimate museum provides an excellent educational opportunity for children to learn about Peruvian indigenous traditions, astronomy, and the connection between nature and spirituality in a way that goes beyond the typical Machu Picchu tour.
Retablo Museum
The Retablo Museum offers a colorful, culturally immersive experience perfect for introducing children to Peruvian folk art. The three-dimensional retablo boxes depict vibrant stories from Andean life, featuring tiny handcrafted figures, animals, and scenes that captivate young imaginations. This small, manageable museum provides an educational yet entertaining way to explore local traditions without overwhelming little ones.
Museo de Arte Precolombino Larco
The Museo Larco offers an engaging introduction to ancient Peru through beautifully displayed pottery, textiles, and artifacts that tell visual stories kids can actually understand. The interactive displays and stunning ceramics collection (including some cheeky adult pieces in a separate gallery) make pre-Columbian history come alive, perfect for curious minds before or after visiting Machu Picchu.